Risk Factors for Pneumonia

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop pneumonia with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing pneumonia. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Smoking and Second-hand Smoke

People who smoke have a much higher risk of developing pneumonia. If you stop smoking, your risk will gradually return to normal. However, this may take as long as 10 years.

You are also at risk for pneumonia if you are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke. For example, children in households where the parents smoke have higher rates of pneumonia than do children in smoke-free households.

Alcohol
and
drug abuse
put you at a higher risk of pneumonia.
IV drug use can increase your risk of pneumonia and other infectious diseases.

The risk of pneumonia is increased among people living in crowded conditions, such as:

Students in dormitories

People living in institutions

Military personnel in barracks

People living in nursing homes

People who are hospitalized have a much higher risk of developing pneumonia than do non-hospitalized individuals. This risk is even higher for people who have recently undergone major surgery or who are on ventilators. Other medical conditions that can increase your risk of developing pneumonia include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.